ITU Press Release

Although virtual reality and "Metaverse" (a.k.a., "Spatial Web", "Web 3.0") have been fields of innovation and capabilities in development for years (even decades), it wasn't until recently in 2021 that the exponential pace of innovation in this entire field really hit an inflection point. (Here is an early conversation in late 2020 describing this inflection point and how this field is finally becoming "democratized"- accessible and affordable to the masses - while also improving at an accelerated pace in quality and capability as a result of the global pandemic. In this particular discussion, with the eventual co-founder of Exponential Destiny (filmed prior to founding), is focused on the potential impact within Education and Learning).

As a result of this recent inflection point, there are many descriptions and definitions of "Metaverse" floating around. For simplicity purposes, in this prize competition context we are referring to the "Metaverse" as digitally rendered environments in which users (you as part of a competing team!) may design and create (a non-coding skillset) experiences that are 360 degree immersive, interactive, and feel "real" (i.e., like you are actually there) to you and your audience, especially when viewed and experienced as intended within a Virtual Reality (VR) headset (that has dropped in price exponentially in recent years). "Metaverse" is essentially the digital connection of a group of experiences - similar to navigating among a group of web-sites all connected and linked on the internet - which private or public groups of individuals from around the world may experience together as life-like Avatars (digital representations of yourself, or whomever or however you want to present yourself!)

Like any game-changing emerging innovation, there are pros and cons to this technology. This competition is intended to explore how it may be used for good; specifically explore new communication methods to build awareness, exposure, and education around the importance of the United Nations 17 SDGs, while also introducing youth and adult learners to this potentially valuable new-economy skillset and next-generation-coding competency of creating VR experiences in the Metaverse.

Would You Like to Learn More.... Potentially Form A Team and Participate?

HOW THE REST OF THIS SITE IS ORGANIZED:

On this site you will find all the information that you need, organized into the following helpful 4 sections:
(To navigate to each section, use the links below or use the menu options and links at the top of each page):

SECTION 1: "WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?"

This section (above) provides a basic overview and introduction to the of the "Metaverse for SDGs" Global Prize & VR Competition

SECTION 2: "I'M INTERESTED"

This section provides a top-line overview of key elements of this global prize competition. Not too much unnecessary detail if you are still deciding whether or not you'd like to participate, but enough for you to make an informed decision. This section provides a summary of:

• Program Goals & Objectives

• Competition Scope: "Who, What, How"

• Competition Judging & Evaluation Criteria (high-level list)

• Prize Award & Scope

• Program High Level Approach & Summary Timeline

• Program Collaborators: Brought to you by Exponential Destiny with support from the United Nations ITU agency

Still interested? Also check-out the Frequently Asked Questions Section (FAQ), specifically the answers to these two questions:

• "I'm interested in potentially participating, but what should I expect and how do I even get started?"

• "What is the cash prize award? What are the other benefits and reasons why I would want to participate?"

• "The competition is about 'Bringing-to-Life' an SDG in 'Immersive & Experiential VR Metaverse Environments'? - Can you explain what you mean?"
  

SECTION 3: "I WANT TO PARTICIPATE"

This section assumes that you would like to participate, and thus you need to know more details about how to compete. This section gets into important details and covers:

• Competition Rules & General Guidelines

• Judging & Evaluation Criteria

• Judging & Evaluation Method, Process, & Timeline (Down-Selection of Teams)

• Competing Team Composition Rules & Team Guidelines

• Prize Purse Award Model/Amounts & Full-Transparency of Sponsor Prize Funding and Allocations

• How to Become a Prize Sponsor & Fund the Competition

• Competing Team's Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

SECTION 4: "I'M READY TO COMPETE - SIGN ME UP!"

This section assumes that you are ready to get started and move to the next step: Team and/or Individual Pre-Registration! At this point, we are asking individuals - who have found team members or are still looking for team members - to let us know that you plan to participate and compete-to-win. At this point you will complete a simple registration form letting us know your intent to compete, a bit about yourself, what SDG(s) you plan to focus on, and if you need to find and/or form a team.

"FAQ / CONTACT" SECTION:

Have a few more questions? This section you will find "Frequently Asked Questions" as well as ways to communicate with the Exponential Destiny team if you have any additional questions, including information about a "Questions & Answers" Webinar that we will be scheduling for all to participate in order to answer any questions and provide more details.

Also in this section you will find "Additional Resources" containing links to information that may be helpful, including an email address to contact us directly, as well as how to follow the competition on social media channels.

"SPONSORS" SECTION:

We are accepting Sponsors who may apply to fund the Prize purse for a particular SDG (out of 17) or all SDGs. If you have an affinity and passion for one or all of the United Nations SDGs, see the section "INTERESTED IN HOW TO BECOME A PRIZE SPONSOR?"

"VIDEOS & PHOTOS" SECTION:

Check out a series of videos, including recent press interviews with the team describing the "Metaverse for SDGs Global Prize & VR Competition"